I tried a site search and found the installation of tow hooks on the Patriot but has anyone installed them on the Compass? I'm going to brave this year on the OEM Firestone Affinity tires and would like to know if the Patriot tow hooks are applicable to the Compass. Also if anyone has done it where did you put holes in the bumper?

I don't think anyone has attempted it, but the chassis are very similar. I wouldn't be surprised if the mountings are available under the front bumper. There's a thread in the knowledge base about removing the front end on the Patriot. I'm sure it would be very similar for the Compass and probably a good idea to start there.

I would think if you're going to off road a Compass you would want to improve the clearance, and add skid plates too. Might be more important than hooks IMHO. You're more likely to hit bottom than to need a pull, on most trails the Compass can handle. In my experience if you get to something that tough off road, you've already been through things that will require clearance and skid plates.

Although, with the way these are made, having some kind of a recovery point is a good idea too. There's really nothing else to hook onto on these vehicles.

If you do these mods, please let us know how it goes.

Sorry, I forgot a line in my original post. I meant to say that I'm going to brave this year's winter with the OEM tires. I'm not too concerned about offroading since I don't know of any where to legally get it dirty around here nor have I seen any clubs out wheeling. I'm more concerned about having recovery points should I end up off the road this winter.

From Jan 1st through the 2nd week in March I will be on 12 hours shifts 6 days/wk doing inspection on the Snell and Eisenhower locks so I'll be travelling at odd hours and most likely in between plow passes.

Now that makes sense, thanks for the clarification.

You could add a hitch in back for a recovery point, would give you something. Also, I've been in some serious off road areas in winter, and I put 4 chains on, which really helps, so you might consider having those around just in case. These vehicles do really well in the snow, so hopefully you'll never need a pull.

I hope you can add a hook in front on your Compass. Again let us know if you do, and how it goes.

Mounting FDII Tow Hooks on an FDI:
It's not that hard. Cut the holes in the bumper, and install.

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6358&page=8&highlight=tow+hook+truck
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32722&highlight=tow+hook+truck


Alternative: duct tape some J-hooks into the bottom tow holes and tuck a strap under your wiper?

Towing Without Hooks
Patriots without tow hooks can be towed with a Tow truck or flatbed via some holes in the underside of the frame. There is a mating pair of hooks that can be pushed into those holes.... J Hooks, T-Hooks, or R-Hooks.
.. Assuming that once mired in the muck and resting on the belly that you can REACH these holes.

http://www.truckntow.com/pc-19418-147061-vulcan-economy-web-bridles-wrtj-frame-hook-clusters.aspx

http://www.truckntow.com/images/PRODUCT/large/WBS-36CL-TD.jpg

Quote from NorthPat on where the tow holes are located:

http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28805&highlight=tow+truck%26quot%3B+%26quot%3BT+Hook%26q uot%3B+%26quot%3BJ+Hook
" #5 11-13-2009, 03:17 AM
NorthPat
Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Québec city
Posts: 22
Ride: 2008 4x4 Patriot North Edition


Hi everyone !

I'm working for CAA-Québec so I can help you right !

The towing holes for a Jeep Patriot are in the frame near jacking points.

Front : just in the rear of the front wheels
Rear : in the front of the rear wheels

There is double sided very strong holes.

These kind of jacking points must be towed with a mini-J hook like the on on the right of the pix . "
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7173&stc=1&d=1285855358

Assuming those holes are the same in a Compass, you guys just might have his answer, no tow hooks required, just that strap.

J.Bryant, you need to keep a small shovel in there in winter too. The only times I've been stuck in deep snow off-road were when I was high centered in deep snow, and all I had to do was shovel the snow out from under it, till it dropped back down and then drove away.

Great info psaulesl, except he has a Compass. I'm not sure that the Patriot Tow Hooks can be bolted on or not.

j.bryant, I'm with Dixie on the rear recovery point. I myself plan on mounting a rear tow hitch for the back, and I was going to mount one tow hook for the front on the driver side. I would use the threads psaulesl mentioned to investigate on the Compass. Look for the mounting holes where the tow hook bolts would go.

Thanks all, that bridle strap is pretty slick and reasonably priced too $65-$80 depending on length. I haven't even made my first payment yet but spend most of my lunch hours looking for useful farkles to add to the Cruck.